Nexus 5 Black 16 GB Version Sold Out; All Other Versions Remain With Long Waiting Periods

Most of you probably remember how quickly the Nexus 4 sold out last year, and how messy shipping practices were. The demand exceeded Google’s expectations, selling out within a few minutes. Google apparently did not learn its lesson, because in less than an hour the initial stock of Nexus 5 devices, released Oct. 31, sold out. Ever since, Android enthusiasts have been able to place orders for all the N5 variants, with the understanding that their new toy would not arrive for several weeks. Yesterday however, the Google Play listing for the black 16GB Nexus 5 changed from having an estimated ship time of four to five weeks, to being completely out of stock.

With the shortage of the more popular, lower memory smartphone, users who are in a hurry to purchase a Nexus 5 will have to do so by compromising for the higher 32 GB phone, or the white 16 GB phone. Those who are even more inpatient still, may have to settle for the 32 GB, white version, as it has the shortest wait time. Wait times are currently listed as followed:

Nexus 5 (32 GB, White): Leaves warehouse by Nov. 26.

Nexus 5 (16 GB, White): Leaves warehouse in 4-5 weeks.

Nexus 5 (32 GB, Black): Leaves warehouse in 2-3 weeks.

Nexus 5 (16 GB, Black): Not available.

If you have no qualms about signing a two-year contract with Sprint or T-Mobile however, you may have better luck purchasing it from those carriers. Sprint is currently offering the 16 GB version (black or white) at a discounted cost of $49 with a mail in rebate. The offer is only available for new customers who switch to Sprint and sign a contract. Current Sprint customers can purchase it from Best Buy for $149.99. T-Mobile will be launching the phone online Nov. 14, and in select stores Nov. 20, as part of its Simple Choice upgrade plan. In addition to extending their contract, customers will pay $41.99 down and 24 equal monthly payments of $17, bringing the grand total to $449.99. For both carriers, the standard price is $100 more than it would be if purchased directly from Google. So as always in the Android world, choices abound and it is up to you to make the final decision on what you want.